Important Natural Landscapes (Boffa Miskell, 2013)

84Hurunui River MouthOutstanding Coastal Natural Character AreaThe Hurunui River mouth is the key feature of the coastal section between Point Gibson and Napenape.Hurunui Mouth Outstanding Natural Character AttributesNatural Character UnitNumber 5- HurunuiUnit Character RatingValuesWaterAbiotic SystemsPerceptualTerrestrialLand CoverHighHurunui Lagoon extending north from the mouth. Wide shingle beach has formed with adistinctive foreshore and backshore.The Hurunui River forms a small river delta surrounded by coastal cliffs and the mouthterminates in a hapua–type lagoon. The lagoon predominantly contains fresh water, impoundedby a long, narrow spit formed of coarse sediments by long-shore drift.Near the Hurunui River sandstone intrusions, which have been forced into overlying rocks,can be found. This geological feature is identified as a Geopreservation Site.Camp ground located near Hurunui River mouth, area is frequented for fishing. Severalarchaeological sites with middens, fire areas and artefacts recorded at the Hurunui RivermouthRiver mouth and lagoon are important sites for birds.Small settlements can be found in this coastal area where road access exists, such as at theHurunui Mouth.Conway Gullies Coastal Natural Character AreaRatingDRAFTOutstandingThe Hurunui Lagoon, river mouth and cliffs that surround it are a key natural feature of the Hurunui Coastline.Hurunui District | 2013